Ricky’s mockery comes after it was confirmed that The X Factor USA was being scrapped following Simon Cowell’s return to the UK. Cowell is reclaiming his head judge title freed up by Mr Barlow’s exit last series.

Cowell said yesterday: ‘Last year, for a number of reasons, I had to make a decision to return to the UK version of The X Factor in 2014. So for now, I’m back to the UK and I want to thank FOX for being an incredible partner and I also want to thank everybody who has supported my shows. America, I’ll see you soon!’

‘Unfortunately, there is no X Factor USA without Simon Cowell,’ added Fox.

X Factor returns in the summer, The Voice continues tonight at 7.10pm on BBC One.